Would you like to help us give our visitors a unique, up-close experience of our collections and their stories this Autumn? Then a brand new volunteer role at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, based in the new Clifton Hub could be for you!
Get hands-on with history this Autumn, helping others to discover the unique story of our brilliant Bridge! We are looking for volunteers to help us deliver sessions with our archive collection this Autumn and Winter 2022.
The Project
Throughout October – December 2022 we will be trialling History Handling Sessions. Our aim is to introduce the public to our museum collections and share even more of the history of the bridge.
Our new venue
The sessions will take place at our newly-refurbished small learning Hub on the Clifton side of the bridge.
Our Collections
We would like to give people an upfront and close encounter with some of the objects from our collections. To enable this, we will need to make sure that the objects are handled correctly with care, and also that all participants can engage with the session.
Purpose of Role
- To assist with the delivery of the History Handling Sessions at the Clifton Hub.
- To deliver a friendly welcome to all visitors, answering questions and providing information where necessary.
- To assist in running a survey to help us evaluate the sessions and understand more about our visitors.
Interested?
Contact us to find out more about forthcoming dates for training and delivery.
Anticipated Time Contribution
Flexible, but we would like volunteers to help with at least two sessions and attend training/induction session beforehand.
We are looking for volunteers to help at the following times:
October - December:
Mondays and Wednesdays from 13:00-15:00
October half term:
10:00-12:00 daily
10 December:
10:00-16:00
Main Activities or Duties:
– Assisting Archivist/Learning Officer with setting up and packing up sessions
– Welcoming visitors
-Counting number of participants
– Overseeing correct handling of objects
– Keeping a look out for those who need help
– Asking visitors for feedback
– Passing comments and feedback to Archivist/Learning Officer
– If appropriate, leading and facilitating sessions
– Providing information about and promoting upcoming activities and events
What We Are Looking For:
– Good communication skills
– Interest in heritage and collections and history of the bridge
– Enthusiasm
– Polite and friendly manner with visitors
– Reliable
– Punctual
Training:
A general induction will be given by the Front of House Manager. This will include an introduction to the gallery displays, museum policy and procedures, general responsibilities, health and safety, and terms and conditions as outlined in the induction checklist.
Specific training in object handling, session outlines, communication skills and history of the bridge will be given by the Bridge Archivist and Learning Officer.
Benefits:
– Meeting new people – both visitors and fellow volunteers.
– Learning new skills in the heritage sector.
– Gaining knowledge about our collections and engagement.
– Engaging with the local community as well as tourists.
– Opportunity to work as part of our team.
– Team events and trips.
– Travel within agreed guidelines paid.
Additional Information:
All volunteers are required to complete a DBS check
Contact:
We are very happy to chat with you if you have any questions about this role or other volunteering roles.
Emily Larsen: getinvolved@cliftontonbridge.org.uk